Executive Director, Santa Barbara Audubon Society

Santa Barbara Audubon Society•Santa Barbara, CA
•$90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS), an independent nonprofit chapter of the National Audubon Society, seeks a full-time Executive Director to work with the Board of Directors to carry out the organization’s mission, policies, and programs. The role was previously part-time and is newly established as a full-time position. The Executive Director serves as a key public representative of SBAS and reports to the SBAS President. The position oversees SBAS administration and day-to-day operations, program implementation, and fundraising, membership, and donor management. The work schedule is variable and includes some evening or weekend events and meetings. The work environment includes a home office, meetings, and public settings. This is a salaried, exempt, at-will position. The annual salary range is $90,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; a degree in business administration or a science is preferred.
  • Leadership experience in a mission-driven nonprofit 501(c)(3) that works with a board responsible for policy, strategy, and goals.
  • Nonprofit general administration experience, including business operations, finance, staffing, volunteers, marketing, and fundraising.
  • General knowledge of the nonprofit sector, especially in Santa Barbara.
  • Familiarity with environmental and land use laws.
  • Familiarity with local birds and habitat.
  • Experience accessing and interpreting data and reports from CRM software such as DonorPerfect and from QuickBooks.
  • Business proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace.
  • Ability to work from home with stable Wi-Fi and a reliable phone connection or coverage.
  • Experience using social media and websites.
  • Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling Board, staff, member, donor, and volunteer information.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Authorization to work in the United States and ability to pass a background check.
  • Ability to adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds in all directions, ascend or descend stairs, and remain stationary for prolonged periods, often standing or sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Nice To Haves

  • Local residency in Santa Barbara County is preferred.
  • Passion for birds, wildlife, and conservation.
  • Creative problem-solving, initiative, and comfort managing administrative and strategic risks and opportunities.
  • Collaborative approach and eagerness to work, lead, and learn in a dynamic, team-driven environment.
  • Flexibility, organization, and a process-oriented approach to managing multiple projects and priorities.
  • Pragmatic optimism, realism, and the ability to identify ways to strengthen and innovate the organization.
  • High emotional intelligence, discretion, and integrity.

Responsibilities

  • Manage SBAS’s day-to-day financial operations and reporting; serve on the Finance Committee; lead annual budget creation; monitor revenue and expenses with the Treasurer and Bookkeeper; and assist with tax filings when necessary.
  • Supervise staff and manage payroll and employment matters, including hiring and benefits when applicable; oversee staff time management, teamwork, and efficiency; and maintain personnel files and the employee handbook.
  • Provide monthly reports to the Board and attend Board meetings, the annual meeting, and the retreat; prepare the annual report to National Audubon Society; and maintain relationships with other chapters and community organizations.
  • Manage organizational risk and ensure documents, permits, licenses, waivers, releases, and insurance records are executed and filed, and that SBAS meets state and federal filing requirements.
  • Ensure SBAS has safe working conditions, necessary technology, and effective policies; supervise outside contractors and contract management; and perform other administrative and business management duties within the role’s scope.
  • Represent SBAS as its chief ambassador at events and public forums and provide public comments to local government committees, officials, and other entities.
  • Oversee the Eyes in the Sky (EITS) Program, supervise its Director, assist with aviary volunteer management and bird welfare as needed, and ensure required permits are obtained.
  • Coordinate with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History regarding EITS, events, and mutual interests.
  • Transmit Board- or committee-generated written correspondence to appropriate authorities in a timely manner.
  • Support committees, including through administration and coordination of volunteers, staff, or Board members.
  • Plan, budget, and initiate programs or events with Board approval, and assist committees or members with their programs and events.
  • Work with the Board to strengthen SBAS’s financial base through marketing, fundraising, and outreach; maintain positive relationships with grantors, donors, and members; cultivate income sources; and plan and execute fundraising campaigns.
  • Oversee donor and membership administration and the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database; schedule communications and funding-drive activities; and analyze CRM reports to support SBAS.
  • Manage grants, including initiation, strategy in partnership with the Board, administration, grantor communications, coordination with grant-writing consultants, application and reporting deadlines, and grant files.
  • Assist in recruiting Board members, chapter members, and volunteers, and oversee volunteers.

Benefits

  • Three weeks of vacation time.
  • 40 hours of sick time.
  • Six paid holidays per year.
  • Health care benefit contribution.
  • Optional CalSavers.
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